Article
Engineering, Environmental
Xin-Yuan Tang, Wei-Wei Yang, Xu Ma, Ya-Ling He
Summary: This study investigates the optimal catalyst bed porosity distribution in solar methane steam reforming membrane reactor to enhance separation and reaction, and reveals the mechanism behind the performance enhancement. The optimized porosity distributions consistently improve the performances of solar membrane reactors, particularly at lower reaction levels and longer reactors. At an original methane conversion of 0.6, the optimized solar membrane reactor achieved significant improvements in methane conversion, fuel efficiency, and hydrogen recovery.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Xianhui Li, Ziran Su, Xueming Chen, Jianquan Luo, Manuel Pinelo
Summary: Producing oligodextran with an enzymatic membrane reactor (EMR) has shown high efficiency and environmental compatibility compared to traditional fermentation processes. The study developed a mathematical model to analyze the effects of operating conditions and membrane properties on the EMR system, highlighting the importance of tailoring the membrane for improved product quality and production efficiency. Optimal parameters for high production efficiency vary depending on the operating mode, with higher operating pressure preferred under water feeding mode and extensive agitation necessary under substrate feeding mode to inhibit membrane fouling.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Chen-Wei Zheng, Min Long, Yi-Hao Luo, Xiangxing Long, Yuqiang Bi, Dandan Zhou, Chen Zhou, Bruce E. Rittmann
Summary: The study evaluated the catalytic destruction of three types of nitrated energetics using palladium (Pd0) nano-catalysts deposited on H2-transfer membranes in membrane catalyst-film reactors (MCfRs). The results demonstrated high removal efficiency (over 96%) for TNT, RDX, and PETN, with NO2- and NH4+ concentrations below detection limit due to selective reduction to N2. This sustainable catalytic removal strategy shows promise for co-existing energetics in ammunition wastewater.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yuhang Cai, Yi-Hao Luo, Xiangxing Long, Manuel A. Roldan, Shize Yang, Chen Zhou, Dandan Zhou, Bruce E. Rittmann
Summary: More food production requires intensive use of herbicides, but the widespread application and persistence of herbicides pose environmental risks. This study demonstrates that palladium nanoparticles can catalyze the reductive dehalogenation of halogenated organic pollutants, including herbicides. The findings suggest a promising method for the removal and detoxification of halogenated herbicides in aqueous environments.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yuto Ido, Atsushi Fukazawa, Yuka Furutani, Yasushi Sato, Naoki Shida, Mahito Atobe
Summary: A novel electrochemical system was developed for the exclusive production of aldehyde from primary alcohol, with oxidation occurring on a gold catalyst under basic conditions. The unique three-phase interfacial reaction sites in the AEM reactor played a crucial role in achieving the selectivity of the oxidation reaction for alcohols.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Mabkhoot Alsaiari, Rozina, Mushtaq Ahmad, Muhammad Zafar, Shazia Sultana, Moustafa A. Rizk, Abdulaziz Ibrahim Almohana, Zubair Ahmad, Raiedhah A. Alsaiari, Muhammad Saeed Akhtar
Summary: Membrane technology was used to increase the yield of biodiesel from Saussurea heteromalla seed oil. Zirconium oxide nanoparticles generated with an aqueous extract of Portulaca oleracea leaf were used as catalyst in the transesterification process. The purity of the nanoparticles and the successful production of biodiesel were confirmed through catalyst characterization and analysis of the biodiesel sample. The nanoparticles were found to be reusable and the biodiesel met the international standards.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yuhang Cai, Yi-Hao Luo, Xiangxing Long, Manuel A. Roldan, Shize Yang, Chen Zhou, Dandan Zhou, Bruce E. Rittmann
Summary: This study presents a promising method for the removal and detoxification of halogenated herbicides in aqueous environments by using elemental palladium nanoparticles (Pd0NPs) as catalysts. The reductive conversion of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) was achieved with a high efficiency and catalyst specific activity. The study also identified the reaction mechanisms and pathways involved in the process.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Xinlei Liu, Bo Qin, Qunfeng Zhang, Guanghua Ye, Xinggui Zhou, Weikang Yuan
Summary: The study optimized the catalyst support for dry reforming of methane catalyst and found that the optimal structures obtained at pellet level were similar to those acquired at reactor level, but the improvements in catalyst performance calculated at pellet level were overestimated.
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Jeongmee Kang, Youjung Song, Taejun Kim, Sungtak Kim
Summary: This review paper summarizes the trends in the development of methanol steam reforming (MSR) reactor systems, including microreactors and membrane reactors, as well as various structured catalyst materials suitable for complex reactors. In addition, other engineering approaches to achieve highly efficient MSR reactors for hydrogen production are discussed.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Ali FarisAbadi, Mohammad Kazemeini, Ali Ekramipooya
Summary: This study investigated the feasibility of using flue gas streams as a source of carbon dioxide for thermo-catalytic conversion. A commercial Ni/Al2O3 catalyst with known chemical kinetics was used, and a mathematical model for catalyst deactivation was developed and validated. The model was utilized to study an air-cooled membrane reactor, and different tube configurations were compared to optimize conversion. Sensitivity analysis showed that space velocity, cooling rate, and feed distribution were critical factors. The presence of a membrane in the reactor improved conversion, allowing for even hydrogen distribution and achieving 99% CO2 conversion under specific conditions.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Zhoufeng Bian, Houchuan Xia, Bo Jiang, Zhigang Wang, Yang Yu, Kewei Yu, Wenqi Zhong
Summary: Optimizing the catalyst bed volume is crucial for designing membrane reactors. Concentration polarization and gas accumulation are key factors affecting H-2 extraction. Adjusting pressure and gas flow rate can improve both CH4 conversion and H-2 permeation rates.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Scott D. Anderson, Bjarne Kreitz, Thomas Turek, Gregor D. Wehinger
Summary: The Berty reactor is a continuously operated stirred tank reactor used for catalytic experiments under gradientless conditions. In this study, Computational Fluid Dynamics simulations were used to investigate the temperature profiles inside the reactor during the exothermic methanation of CO2. The results showed the presence of temperature gradients near the catalyst, despite the uniformity of concentration. It was found that a low conversion per pass is crucial for achieving uniform conditions.
INDUSTRIAL & ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Ayse Dilay Erdali, Saliha Cetinyokus, Meltem Dogan
Summary: In this study, membrane reactors were used to improve the equilibrium conversions in isobutene production. Chromium-based catalysts were prepared and higher chromate concentrations were observed with different mixing times. Higher isobutene selectivity values were observed at 600 ℃. The modeling studies in the membrane reactor were found to be compatible with the experimental results.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING AND PROCESSING-PROCESS INTENSIFICATION
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Qiangqiang Li, Dingxi Xue, Qiang Zhang, Xiongwen Zhang, Guojun Li
Summary: In this study, topology optimization was conducted to reduce the maximum temperature differences in wall-coated nickel-based methane steam reformers. The optimized catalysts were found to discretely distribute on the wall with different lengths, with narrow catalysts upstream and wide catalysts downstream. The optimized results significantly reduced the temperature differences and improved temperature uniformity while maintaining high methane conversion rates.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Thomas Hoehne, Vahid Farhikhteh Asl, Loreen Ople Villacorte, Mark Herskind, Maryam Momeni, Douha Al-Fayyad, Sibel Tas-Koehler, Andre Lerch
Summary: The study focused on numerical investigation of an EC reactor with spiral electrodes to enhance retention of particulate and colloidal matter through mathematical modeling. By simulating different flow rates, the optimal retention and degassing period along with gas holdup were determined, providing valuable insights for improving the efficiency of hybrid membrane systems.
Review
Engineering, Chemical
Alberto Di Renzo, Erasmo S. Napolitano, Francesco P. Di Maio
Summary: In the past decade, the application of CFD-DEM for fluidized beds has expanded from small, lab-scale units to larger scale systems, benefiting greatly from coarse graining methods. By introducing coarse graining procedures based on different physical backgrounds, the number of particles that can be simulated has increased, covering pilot-scale and industrially relevant systems. The review discusses scaling for contact forces, hydrodynamic forces, and cohesive forces, quantifying computational savings in terms of coarse graining degree and presenting recent applications and future directions in the field.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Francesca Orsola Alfano, Alberto Di Renzo, Francesco Paolo Di Maio, Mojtaba Ghadiri
Summary: Triboelectric charging has a significant impact on bulk powder flow behavior, especially in pharmaceutical particles; the charge-to-surface area ratio is close to equilibrium value for different materials; aerodynamic dispersion shows great potential for inducing triboelectric charge transfer.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Francesca Orsola Alfano, Andrea Benassi, Roberto Gaspari, Alberto Di Renzo, Francesco Paolo Di Maio
Summary: Fine particle lift and aerodispersion play crucial roles in delivering active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) powder to patient lungs. Computational fluid dynamics-discrete element method (DEM) simulations are used to characterize the flow field of air and API-coated carrier particles in a swirl-based DPI geometry, providing valuable insights into microscopic mechanisms.
INDUSTRIAL & ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Erasmo S. Napolitano, Alberto Di Renzo, Francesco P. Di Maio
Summary: The design, scale-up and operation of cyclone gas-solid separators are mostly based on simplified models and experience, but previous simulations are not applicable for high-load operations with large particles. The use of DEM-CFD simulations allows for four-way coupled dense flow but is computationally expensive. Coarse-graining methods have been proposed to reduce the computational cost, but more research is needed to understand the trade-off between accuracy and speed-up. This study investigates a coarse-grain DEM-CFD approach for simulating two-phase flow in a cyclone and finds that while macroscopic quantities are maintained, detailed features of the gas and solids flow are affected by the level of coarse graining.
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
David Martinez-Diaz, Valeria Michienzi, Jose Antonio Calles, Raul Sanz, Alessio Caravella, David Alique
Summary: This study explores the incorporation of CeO2 and Pd films onto the internal side of PSS tubes for additional protection. The prepared membranes demonstrate excellent mechanical resistance and similar performance to those prepared on the external surface. The membranes exhibit good conformity to Sieverts' law, with high H-2 permeance and complete ideal perm-selectivity. The permeate fluxes decrease with dilution and temperature in H-2 mixtures, and the presence of CO further inhibits the flux, but it can be completely recovered by feeding pure hydrogen again.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
F. O. Alfano, F. P. Di Maio, A. Di Renzo
Summary: The performance of dry powder inhalers depends on the optimal combination of drug research and device design. Coating larger carrier particles to improve flowability is a common solution to overcome the challenges of API's poor flowability. High loading on the carrier particles increases the likelihood of insufficient deagglomeration or reagglomeration. Advanced CFD-DEM simulations were used to investigate API deaggregation in a swirl-based DPI with different carrier particles. The results show that highly loaded salbutamol is delivered more effectively.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Piergiuseppe Fiore, Michela Coppola, Paola Meninno, Maddalena Sannino, Giuseppe De Marco, Serafino Sacco, Alessio Caravella
Summary: This study investigates the CO2 free expansion process from high-pressure tanks, analyzing the influence of different phenomena, such as viscous heating, phase transition, and the Joule-Thomson effect. Computational fluid dynamics techniques are used to compare the results with experimental data, and it is observed that the discharge process can be divided into three stages: shocking flow, transition flow, and flashing flow. Additionally, non-equilibrium condensation and the effect of viscous heating are observed.
CANADIAN JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Giuseppe Prenesti, Giulia Azzato, Katia Cassano, Giuseppe De Marco, Alessio Caravella
Summary: In this paper, the effectiveness factor of porous catalytic particles is evaluated using computational fluid dynamic techniques in the absence of boundary conditions symmetry over the external surface. The study focuses on non-uniform concentration fields over the surface and proposes an empirical correlation for higher Thiele modulus values. The methodology presented in the paper shows good efficacy in reducing calculation time and memory.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL REACTOR ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Francesca Orsola Alfano, Alberto Di Renzo, Roberto Gaspari, Andrea Benassi, Francesco Paolo Di Maio
Summary: Powder deaggregation is crucial for drug effectiveness in Dry Powder Inhalers (DPI) with carrier-based formulations. This study uses DEM simulation to investigate the detachment of fine and cohesive API particles. The results are analyzed using an analytical model and compared to commercial devices.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Francesca Orsola Alfano, Martin Sommerfeld, Francesco Paolo Di Maio, Alberto Di Renzo
Summary: This study analyzed the dispersion and discharge process of particles in carrier-based dry powder inhalers using discrete element method simulations. The simulations focused on the solid phase interactions and provided a mapping of particle-wall collisions and the tracking of particle paths until discharge. The research is valuable for understanding the interactions between particles inside the capsule and their impact on the discharge process.
ADVANCED POWDER TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Katia Cassano, Alessio Pierro, Giovanna Froio, Raffaella Perini, Paolo Farinelli, Giuseppe De Marco, Alessio Caravella
Summary: The aim of this study is to analyze the time evolution of natural gas release from high-pressure subsea pipelines and assess its impact on the sea surface. The hazard areas for offshore structures, vessels, ships, and workers are determined based on water depth, release flow rate, sea current, and wind velocity. Multiphase computational fluid dynamic simulations are conducted to evaluate the shape of the gas subsea cone and plume, considering the interactions among released gas, seawater, and air. The results show that gas dispersion in seawater plays a crucial role in accidental scenarios.
JOURNAL OF LOSS PREVENTION IN THE PROCESS INDUSTRIES
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Alessio Caravella, David Martinez-Diaz, Giuseppe Prenesti, Valeria Michienzi, Jose Antonio Calles, Rail Sanz, David Alique
Summary: This paper elucidates the role of flux direction in composite supported metal membranes for hydrogen purification under pure-hydrogen and mixture conditions. It provides a mathematical proof that in pure-hydrogen conditions, the flux measured when hydrogen is fed from the support to the metal layer is always higher than the flux measured in the opposite direction. It also introduces the concept of swap point in mixture conditions, which represents the composition at which the fluxes in the two directions are equal.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Jiawei Hou, Shixuan Guo, Nigel Graham, Wenzheng Yu, Kening Sun, Ting Liu
Summary: A novel 2D composite membrane based on r-HGO and MXene materials was developed, demonstrating exceptional performance for water treatment in terms of permeability, pollutant rejection, and physical stability. The optimization of preparation conditions and material proportions can result in high water flux and efficient removal of pollutants.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2024)
Retraction
Engineering, Chemical
Chang Liu, Jinghong Liu, Liang Zhu, Shanfu Tang, Huixin Xiong
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Rui Gao, Caihong Liu, Andreia F. Faria, Qiang He, Chun Yang, Jun Ma
Summary: A novel copolymer architecture has been developed to address biofouling concerns in thin-film composite (TFC) membranes by integrating anti-fouling, bactericidal, and fouling-release functions. The multifunctional membrane demonstrates promising anti-adhesive properties, self-cleaning ability, and high flux recovery rate.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Alexander T. Bridge, Noah P. Wamble, Matthew S. Santoso, Joan F. Brennecke, Benny D. Freeman
Summary: This study demonstrates the reproducible preparation of high-flux defect-free asymmetric gas separation membranes using Cyrene(TM) as a majority dope formulation component. By adjusting the volume ratios of Cyrene(TM) and THF, as well as the concentrations of Matrimid(R) and the dry step time, optimal membrane performance is achieved.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Alessandra Imbrogno, Han Ya Lin, Babak Minofar, Andrea Iris Schaefer
Summary: In this study, a composite nanofiber membrane containing cross-linked beta-cyclodextrin-epichlorohydrin was prepared and evaluated for the removal of steroid hormones. The results showed that the membrane had high adsorption capacity and the ability to form a specific inclusion complex interaction with the hormones, indicating its potential application in hormone removal.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Bora Shin, Jaewon Shin, Yanuar Chandra Wirasembada, Ki Young Park, Jinwoo Cho
Summary: This study develops a mathematical model to estimate the initial flux of volatile fatty acids in the direct contact membrane distillation process. It identifies the parameters affecting the flux and their relationship with pH.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Yi-Jui Yeh, Jr Rong Liou, Wei Lin, Kuo-Lun Tung, Wei-Hung Chiang
Summary: This study demonstrates an effective plasma engineering method to create nitrogen-doped graphene quantum dot (NGQD)-inorganic nanocomposites for tunable molecular separation. The composite materials show high separation efficiency and controllable nanopore structures, making them potentially valuable for various applications.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Horacio Lopez-Marques, Kristofer L. Gleason, Manuel Aguilar-Vega, Rita Sulub-Sulub, J. Ehren Eichler, Hyeonji Oh, C. Buddie Mullins, Benny D. Freeman, Manish Kumar
Summary: In this study, water transport properties in Carbon Molecular Sieve (CMS) membranes were investigated. It was found that membranes synthesized at different pyrolysis temperatures exhibited varying water permeabilities. Compared to other polymeric materials, CMS membranes showed high water permeability, indicating potential for dehydration applications.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Dmitry A. Alentiev, Roman Yu. Nikiforov, Marina A. Rudakova, Danil P. Zarezin, Maxim A. Topchiy, Andrey F. Asachenko, Nikolay A. Belov, Maxim Bermeshev
Summary: A series of new norbornene-type monomers containing linear and branched substituents were synthesized, and robust thin membranes were prepared by vinyl-addition polymerization. Gas separation performance for the synthesized polymers was evaluated, and the structure of substituent side chains was found to significantly affect gas permeability and CO2 facilitated transport.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Lei Yan, Qi Zhang, Ze Zhang, Gui-Jie Li, Yi Jin, Xin-Lin Zhang, Yan-Yun Sun
Summary: In this study, a continuous, stable and fast ion transport channel was established through in-situ guided cross-linking of zinc alginate hydrogels on a porous membrane, overcoming the negative pore effect and effectively inhibiting the dendrite growth of zinc anodes and interfacial side reactions.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Yuqing Zhang, Ailing Zhang, Huiyang He, Yuting Fan, Yongjiang Li, Song Wang, Sanxi Li
Summary: The Langmuir-Blodgett self-assembly process is used to create an ordered SPEEK membrane, which enhances the proton conductivity by three times compared to conventional solution casting method.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Hasan Ismaeel, David Gibson, Eleonora Ricci, Maria Grazia De Angelis
Summary: In this study, a machine learning-based group contribution method (ML-GC) was developed to predict pure polymer parameters and successfully applied to predict gas solubility and gas solubility isotherms in glassy polymeric membranes. The model showed satisfactory performance on a small dataset, but has the potential to provide more accurate predictions for a wider range of polymers as more data becomes available.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Yi Ji, Yu Sun, Huilin Li, Qiang Fu, Yan Zhang
Summary: Previous studies have shown that vibration- or rotation-based techniques can effectively mitigate fouling during membrane filtration. However, it is difficult to incorporate these techniques with spiral wound modules (SWMs) widely used in water and wastewater treatment. This study developed a prototype membrane system to accommodate angular vibrations with a modified SWM, and experimental results showed that applying angular vibrations can effectively control algal fouling in an SWM with lower energy consumption compared to traditional methods.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Lakshmeesha Upadhayaya, Abaynesh Yihdego Gebreyohannes, Muhammad Wakil Shahzad, Usman T. Syed, Sandra L. Aristizabal, Radoslaw Gorecki, Suzana P. Nunes
Summary: Increasing temperatures worldwide pose a significant health risk, exacerbated by high humidity. Conventional air conditioners contribute heavily to carbon dioxide emissions, with dehumidification being a major factor. Membrane-based dehumidification system offers energy efficiency and non-toxic water vapor removal. This study demonstrates a membrane dehumidification system with polymeric hollow fibers coated with a green polyphenol coating, showing remarkable water vapor transport rate and selectivity. Long-term testing reveals minimal decline in vapor transport and a 4-5 times higher coefficient of performance (COP) compared to conventional dehumidifiers, making it a highly competitive, energy-saving device with reduced emissions and a smaller footprint.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Zhengzhong Zhou, Xue Zhu, Yi Yuan, Shaoqiang Wang, Xiaoshan Meng, Taoli Huhe, Qian Wang
Summary: In this study, lignin, a biomass material, was chemically modified and utilized in the interfacial polymerization process to improve the performance of nanofiltration membranes. The modified membranes showed enhanced hydrophilicity and anti-fouling properties, and the optimization of membrane pore size increased permeability. The study also demonstrated the potential application of the membranes in biogas slurry valorization.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2024)